May 14, 2009

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The Marist Women's Rugby team competed at the Division II National Championships held in Sanford, Fla. Coming off a very successful fall 2008 campaign, the Red Foxes finished second overall in the Northeast and earned the #16 seed in the DII Collegiate USA Rugby National Championships.

On April 17, Marist squared off against the #1 seed and defending National Champions, Shippensburg University. The Red Foxes fought hard and pushed the defending champs to the closest game they've had in two years but were not able to come out victorious. The final score was 25-5 with senior captain Jessica Peterson scoring for the Marist side.

Following the loss, the Red Foxes had to quickly regroup and face the #8 seed Wayne State University the following day. From the kickoff the Red Foxes dominated their opponents, scoring quickly and consistently throughout the match and playing stifling defense for 80 minutes. The final score was 39-0, with tries scored by senior Jessica Peterson, senior Leanne Fusco, senior Claire Keller, sophomore Robin Miniter (two), sophomore Amanda Benton, freshman Julie Maio and conversion kicks by junior Becky Gardner and senior Laura Litwin.

Official DII Collegiate Women's rankings have been released and Marist Women's Rugby is currently ranked at #6. Four Red Foxes were to the Metropolitan New York Rugby Football Union All-Star (U23) team: senior captain Jessica Peterson, senior captain Andrea Hart, senior Laura Litwin and senior Leanne Fusco.